Universal input/output module

• US 7,369,079 B2
• Filed: 07/06/2006
• Issued: 05/06/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 07/06/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation (Raytheon Technologies Corporation d/b/a RTX)
• Original Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation (Raytheon Technologies Corporation d/b/a RTX)
• Inventors: Maier, Josef
• Primary Examiner(s): Jeanglaude; Jean B
• Application Number:
  US11/481,454
• Publication Number:
  US 20080007441A1
• Time in Patent Office: 670 Days
• Field of Search: 341/155, 341/156, 701/1, 701/14
• US Class Current: 341/155
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 21/02 Measuring two or more variables by means not covered by a single other subclass
• CPC Class Codes: H03M 1/1295 Clamping, i.e. adjusting the DC level of the input signal to a predetermined value

Abstract

A universal input/output module may be tailored to enable or disable a pull-up or pull-down function such that distinct type digital signals reaching the digital signal processor may be changed such that the distinct digital signals are similar in nature when processed. The digital signal processor is able to enable or disable a pull-down or a pull-up function to provide the ability to universally handle these distinct digital signal types. In other features, a plurality of the modules may be associated with a common power supply, board controller and central communication bus. The input/output modules have applications such as in processing a switch or sensor signal, and outputting a control signal to an associated component.

Claims

1. An input/output module comprising:

a digital signal processor for providing an analog to digital conversion, said digital signal processor receiving an input signal, said input signal being one of a plurality of distinct type signals, and said module being operable to enable or disable system components to change the input signal before it reaches the digital signal processor based upon which one of said plurality of distinct type signals is received.

2. The input/output module as set forth in claim 1, wherein said digital signal processor is provided with a pull-up and pull-down component, which may be selectively enabled such that distinct type signals on said input are changed to be similar signals before reaching said digital signal processor.

9. The input/output module as set forth in claim 1, wherein said system components include at least one of lights and electric motors, with said module being operable to change the intensity of the lights or the speed of the motors based upon said signal input.

3. A control system comprising:

a plurality of input/output modules, each said plurality of input/output modules receiving a signal from one of a switch and a sensor, and processing said signals to control a system component, each of said input/output modules being provided with a digital signal processor; and

a common power supply for powering each of said plurality of input/output modules.

4. The control system as set forth in claim 3, wherein a common board microcontroller communicates with each of said plurality of input/output modules.

5. The control system as set forth in claim 4, wherein a common communication bus communicates said plurality of input/output modules with a central control.

6. The control system as set forth in claim 5, wherein each of said common power supply, said common microcircuit, and said common communication bus are provided over redundant lines.

7. The control system as set forth in claim 3, wherein said digital signal processor is provided with a pull-up and pull-down component, which may be selectively enabled such that distinct type signals on said input are changed to be similar signals before reaching said digital signal processor.

8. The control system as set forth in claim 3, wherein said system components includes lights and motors, with said module controlling the intensity of said lights, and the speed of said motors with pulse width modulation control.